Russia's Safe Haven in Syria: Shelter Amidst Chaos

Russia's Hmeimim air base in Syria is a refuge for around 9,000 civilians amidst sectarian violence following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The conflict has intensified between Islamist forces and the Alawite minority. Russia is negotiating with the new leadership for security and stability.

Russia's air base at Hmeimim in Syria is providing shelter to approximately 9,000 civilians fleeing sectarian violence, according to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

Hmeimim, alongside another military base, is crucial to Moscow, even after the December overthrow of long-time ally Bashar al-Assad by Islamist rebels. Most refugees, mainly women and children, face dire circumstances.

The violent uprising has intensified tensions between the new Islamist-led government's forces and Assad's Alawite faction. Moscow is working with interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, maintaining diplomatic ties with regional powers for stability.

(With inputs from agencies.)